Constitution of Rwanda

Status: Republic with executive President

Legislature: Parliament of Rwanda

Independence: 1 July 1962

The present constitution came into force in June 2003, with the principal aim of promoting national unity and protecting personal liberties and human rights.

The executive president is the head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and is elected by universal adult suffrage for a seven-year term; he or she may serve a maximum of two terms. The president nominates the prime minister and appoints the council of ministers on the advice of the prime minister.

The bicameral legislature comprises the Chamber of Deputies and Senate. The Chamber of Deputies has 80 members, 53 directly elected every five years by universal adult suffrage and 27 representing: women (24 seats), youth (two) and disabled people (one). The Senate has 26 members, who serve for eight years; 12 represent the provincial government councils, and two represent academic institutions. The other members are nominated, eight by the president and four the Parties’ Forum.